The Atlantic Calls Houston an Unstoppable Juggernaut for Job Creation

Reading all the recent praise that has been heaped on Houston for our economy, gay mayor, food and whatever else people can dream up has made me a little nervous. From Hellhole to City of the Future in just a few years? How can that be?

The ten largest metros have recovered 98 percent of the jobs lost during the recession, on average. But Houston, the first major city to regain all the jobs lost in the downturn, has now added more than two jobs for every one it lost after the crash. That's incredible.

Yes, it is. In fact, that's really kind of amazing. We are outpacing everybody. Pretty impressive.

So, how come? There's the abundant land and famously favorable business climate (although let's not dwell on the actual climate). With its proximity to oil and Mexico, Houston is blessed by topography and geography. But the secret sauce of the city's success might be something else: history -- and an ability to learn from past mistakes.

We get it. It's humid. But Washington D.C., where The Atlantic is located, ain't no San Diego, but I digress.

They bring up some fascinating points about how we turned the oil bust around (companies didn't want to fire old people who were training the youngsters?) and go on about how robust our economy actually is. Bottom line: It's good to live in Houston, and yet one more publication from outside our area recognizes that. Woo-hoo!

Jeff Balke is a writer, editor, photographer, tech expert and native Houstonian. He has written for a wide range of publications and co-authored the official 50th anniversary book for the Houston Rockets.